Home

Tennis

‘Doesn’t Matter How Far up They Go’- Roger Federer Accepts His Place in Tennis History As He Leaves the GOAT Race to Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal

Published 09/22/2022, 12:30 PM EDT

Follow Us

via Getty

Nearly a decade ago, Roger Federer surpassed Pete Sampras’ record of having the highest number of grand slam titles at that time and became the men’s tennis record holder. However, he was only able to win a total of 20 grand slam championships to his name and ruled men’s tennis for a few years.

But with his absence from court, Nadal has overtaken his record of being a GOAT as he won two continuous grand slam victories in the Australian Open and the French Open, while on other hand Novak Djokovic took over the Wimbledon championship earlier in July. The Spaniard has dominated the tennis world with his great tennis skills.

ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

Roger Federer talks about the GOAT race

As the former world number one announced his retirement, tennis fans have raised a popping question about who is the GOAT in men’s tennis. And the Swiss player has a perfect answer to that question. He also talked about seeing Novak not competing in tournaments this year. He said, “It’s been quite strange not seeing Novak in a lot of the draws.”

via Getty

Further, Federer added, “At this point, once either they surpassed you, or you’re not playing anymore, it doesn’t matter how far up they go. For me, as long as I could be a part of it and control some of it, I cared more.”

Trending

Get instantly notified of the hottest Tennis stories via Google! Click on Follow Us and Tap the Blue Star.

Follow Us

‘Too Many Cooks Stir the Broth’- Roger Federer Opens Up About Wife Mirka’s Help in Forging the Retirement Letter

ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

The 20-time grand slam champion made it clear that he is not competing in the top race as he has not played for a long time and deserving people should definitely go for it and he wants to focus on what’s coming next. And said that he is very happy where he sits in the tennis history.

Rafael Nadal surpassed Federer’s record 

The Spaniard won two back-to-back grand slams, amassing a total of 22 grand slam titles to his name. The Swiss maestro, on the other hand, won his last Grand Slam at the 2018 Australian Open. However, injuries have taken a toll on his body ever since.

ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

watch this story – Serena Williams sends love as Roger Federer hangs his racket

The 22-time grand slam winner was aiming for his 23rd title at the Flushing Meadows but was not able to advance after the round of 16. The Swiss player and the Spaniard will be seen together for the last time in the upcoming Laver Cup.

SHARE THIS ARTICLE :

Written by:

Pratishtha Prakash

2,356Articles

One take at a time

Pratishtha Prakash is a Tennis writer at EssentiallySports. She has completed her Bachelor’s degree in Mass Media and Journalism from MIT ADT University, Pune. In the past, she has interned at the sports desk of The Hitavada, a regional English daily newspaper.
Show More>

Edited by:

Jito Tenson